Government officials in Spain and Ecuador deny press interference allegations

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has defended the creation of a dossier by the Ministry's Communication Office that classifies journalists ideologically. Marlaska described the file as an “internal working document” intended to help the ministry understand current news trends and better convey its messages, asserting it has no “spurious purpose.” He maintained that the ministry does not differentiate between media outlets or journalists when providing information.

In Ecuador, José Julio Neira, Secretary of Public Administration and Director of the Financial Analysis Unit (UAFE), denied allegations of institutional harassment against journalists and political candidates. Addressing claims that the administration of President Daniel Noboa uses financial controls to pressure opponents, Neira stated that the freezing of funds is a technical response to money laundering alerts and follows international standards rather than political motives. He further clarified that official advertising allocation is based on technical parameters and market studies.